SBS World News Radio

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Canstar's Sally Tindall to find out if it is too late to fix your home loan interest rate ahead of what's expected to be a rise in official interest rates next week; plus Dianne Colledge from Morgans goes through the day's share market action including a preview of Donald Trump's pick of US Federal Reserve governor which is expected to be made at the weekend.

The Federal Government has finalised a landmark $219 billion health agreement with the states in a national cabinet meeting, pledging an additional $25 billion to stabilise public hospitals and cap NDIS growth over the next five years. And while the meeting has been hailed for its reforms, medical experts and state premiers warn that further investment is essential to meet the country's health needs.

The Trump Administration's border chief Tom Homan [[hoe-men]]has pledged a 'safer' Minnesota immigration crackdown. His proposed plan marks a shift in the aggressive tactics that have drawn national outrage, after two US citizens were shot dead by federal agents. Democrats are pressuring the President to scale the operation back further.

The EU has formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation, aligning it with groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaida. Tensions between Tehran and Washington are escalating amid one of the deadliest protest crackdowns in Iran's recent history.

The Leukemia Foundation is warning more than 400 children a year could face a blood cancer diagnosis within the next decade. The foundation is attempting to raise $12 million through its annual World's Greatest Shave campaign, with funds contributing to research and support services to families impacted by blood cancer.

President Trump feels the heat as ICE protests spread across the US, as Washington unveils real estate plans for Gaza - but are they based in reality? Plus, Myanmar's military presses ahead with widely dismissed elections, and China's panda diplomacy reaches an unbearable level.

The United States has sent what President Donald Trump has described as an armada of naval and military assets into the Middle East, placing American forces on heightened alert as tensions with Iran escalate. The move comes as protests spread across Iran, internet access is cut for millions, and a sharp exchange of threats and warnings unfolds between Washington and Tehran on social media and through diplomatic channels.

Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus have been confirmed in India's West Bengal state and at least 190 people have been quarantined. It's prompted multiple countries in Asia to step up airport screenings to prevent the spread of the infection, which at this stage has no vaccine or proven treatment. However, experts say while it's a dangerous virus with a high fatality rate, it doesn't spread easily from person-to-person.

It's been a month since one of Iran's deadliest periods of anti-government unrest in the history of the Islamic Republic. While mass protests have subsided amid a crackdown by security forces, a US-based human rights group has confirmed the deaths of more than 6,000 people, warning the total could stand at more than 20,000. Iran's official death toll is just over 3,000. There are also grave concerns for the tens of thousands who have been arrested.

As students return for a new year, Australian Federal Police are calling on schools to be on the lookout for signs of students being coerced into forced marriages.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves takes a deep dive into today's higher than expected inflation figures to find out what it means for interest rates and for the sharemarkets with Stephen Wu from UBS, James Gerrish from Market Partners and Stephen Miller from GSFM Funds Management.

A landmark report has revealed Services Australia knowingly bypassed child support laws for six years, internally blocking payments to over 16,000 parents who provided less than 35 per cent of their children's care. While the agency argued the law created "unintended consequences" by requiring primary carers to pay those with minimal care responsibilities, the Ombudsman ruled that ignoring legislation is not an option for public servants.

India and the European Union say they have reached "the mother of all deals" in a trade agreement that has been in the works for nearly two decades. Subjected to steep tariffs and facing threats of further increases, the two major economies are working to diversify their trade partners.

Atomic scientists have set the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to the theoretical point of world annihilation. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists cites aggressive behaviour by nuclear powers, fraying nuclear arms control, global conflicts and unregulated AI as the key risks driving toward global disaster.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Daniel Hynes from ANZ and Michael Wayne from Medallion Financial Group to find out more about gold and silver's record rally and whether they are entering bubble territory, along with the rest of the day's market action.

Israel says it has recovered the remains of the final hostage held in Gaza, police officer Ran Gvili. The recovery fulfills a key condition of the US-proposed peace plan, and could pave the way for the reopening of the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

A baggy green cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman in Australia's 1947 test series against India has fetched $460,000 at auction. The sale of this rare piece of Australian sporting heritage and history is not quite at the level of the sale of Shane Warne's test cap, which went for just over a million in 2020 to raise money for the Australian Red Cross following the 2019 Black Saturday bushfires. But auctions like this offer a glimpse into another world, where serious money is paid for memorabilia items connected to some of the world's most iconic and historic sporting events.

After casting Alex Pretti and Renee Good as "domestic terrorists", the White House is now shifting blame for recent ICE shootings onto Democratic politicians in Minnesota. Sparking major protests and political pushback, U-S President Donald Trump says he's sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to work with officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a US document on security guarantees is "100 per cent ready" to be signed. He also indicated some progress was made at tri-lateral talks on the weekend between Ukraine, the US and Russia. But he called on the U-S and Europe to keep up pressure on Russia, through sanctions.

Australia Day has been marked across the country with citizenship ceremonies and Australian of the Year awards. The day has also been marked by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have gathered across the country for annual events marking January 26 - including Invasion Day rallies.

United States Federal Agents have shot and killed another person in Minneapolis, just three weeks after the killing of Renee Good. With growing demands the government withdraw ICE agents from the city, President Donald Trump has signalled their possible intention to leave.

A massive winter storm has swept across large parts of the United States, bringing heavy snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures to states from Texas to New England. The storm has so far caused more than a million people to lose power, and thousands of flights have been grounded. Nearly 20 states have now declared weather emergencies, as the National Weather Service warns of continued hazardous conditions in coming days.

The 2026 Australian of the Year winners have been announced at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Thirty-three finalists from astronauts to doctors have been recognised for their contributions to Australian society.

Nearly one-thousand people have been recognised for a lifetime of dedication and service in their fields. Among them, quiet achievers giving back to their communities to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, recognised after being nominated by friends and colleagues.

.After weeks of political pressure, the Prime Minister this month announced a Royal Commission into the rise in antisemitism and factors behind the second-deadliest mass shooting in Australian history. It is the latest of a series of Royal Commissions into wide-ranging issues, but what is a Royal Commission and what does it do?

Clad in armour and guided by a strict code of honour, Japan's samurai were more than elite warriors; they were the architects of a society shaped by loyalty, discipline and power. For centuries, these sword-bearing nobles dominated Japan's battlefields and politics, leaving a legacy that still influences the nation's culture, values and global image today. The history and culture of Japan's Samurai warriors are being celebrated in a new museum in Tokyo. Visitors can try on armour, hold swords and even have a go at throwing special weapons.

Millions of people globally fall ill each year, from unsafe or contaminated foods. Some is due to food fraud, the act of purposely selling fake, mis-labelled or substituted food products for financial gain. Australian scientists have developed new ways to combat this multi-billion dollar problem.

It's been more than four years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan - and according to human rights organisations, the situation for women and girls is only getting progressively worse - with a near-total exclusion from most public employment and education. The United Nations has warned the country is expected to remain one of the world's largest humanitarian crises for the year ahead.

The world's first supersonic passenger plane, Concorde, made its maiden commercial flight 50 years ago this month on 21 January 1976. Its delta-wing design and drooping nose made it instantly recognisable, and although it went out of service in 2003, it is still remembered to this day.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tony Sycamore from IG Markets about the day's sharemarket action as the Australian dollar and gold price charge towards new milestones.

The Coalition's unity has reached a new low following what's being described as a 'terminal' breakdown between key frontbenchers, marking their third significant split since the 2025 election. While leadership maintains that the door remains open for future cooperation, analysts suggest the in-fighting is further alienating a public that is increasingly turning toward minor parties and independent alternatives.

Australian summers are undergoing what scientists call a "total transformation," with a new study from World Weather Attribution revealing the country can now expect heatwaves every five years on average. The study's researchers say climate change made Australia's blistering heatwave in early January five times more likely, and there's an urgent need for the country to adapt to changed conditions. The warning comes as the country's south-eastern states prepare for what's forecast to be a prolonged, severe heatwave starting this weekend.

The Australian of the Year will be named in four categories on Sunday night. Among them is Emily Briffa, Tasmania's nomination for Local Hero. She's been recognised for her work at social enterprise cafe Hamlet, which trains and employs people with disability, neuro divergence and mental health concerns.

.US President Donald Trump has used the World Economic Forum in Davos to push a new security framework for the Arctic, and signal what he says is momentum towards ending the war in Ukraine. The week has also exposed deep divisions among allies over Greenland and Europe's role in global security.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Johnathan McMenamin from Barrenjoey and Adam Dawes from Shaw and Parnters as Australia's unemployment rate falls from 4.3% to 4.1% in December increasing the chance of an interest rate rise in a fortnight.

Is Donald Trump's retreat from tariffs and military threats over Greenland - a NATO reset or a tactical pause? Syria edges toward reunification but at a major cost to the Kurds – and IS group fighters escape. Plus how a farm girl's plea from rural China went hog-wild online.

The Coalition has reached a breaking point as the National Party officially splits from the Liberals, following a mass frontbench walkout over controversial hate speech legislation. While Opposition Leader Sussan Ley attempted to block some of the resignations to maintain unity, former colleagues and political rivals alike are labeling the fallout a "smoking ruin" that threatens the future of the alternative government.

Australians are paying their respects to the 15 victims of a Bondi terror attack on December 14 during a National Day of Mourning. The Prime Minister and Opposition leader are calling on all Australians to reflect upon the tragic events and stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community.

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar have accepted US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the so-called 'Board of Peace.' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also publicly confirmed Israel's participation, while Vladimir Putin says he's considering Trump's invitation to join. Amid concerns the board of peace will pose a threat to the United Nations, the UN Secretary General has urged continued commitment to international law.

The US President has attacked his European allies at the World Economic Forum in Davos for their ongoing refusal to let the United States takeover Greenland. His 70-minute speech also took broad aim at the continent for other things Donald Trump believes Europe is doing ‘wrong'. His remarks had been widely anticipated amid ongoing tensions over the Arctic Island.

A new study reveals that communities with multi-racial backgrounds are exposed to warrantless searches up to three-and-a-half times more than communities in white-majority areas. According to the analysis of Victoria Police's use of extraordinary search power, this happens even when areas of white-majority communities have higher crime rates.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Scott Phillips from The Motley Fool about the day's market action including why investors are concerned about Trump's latest threats, gold's new record and why BHP is edging closer to becoming Australia's largest listed company.

New South Wales' first female governor, Dame Marie Bashir, has died aged 95. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns are among those to have paid tribute to Dame Marie's life and legacy as a respected public servant, and committed advocate across mental health, education, Indigenous rights, and social inclusion.

.The government has suggested further measures to combat hate speech are unlikely to be pursued, even if a royal commission into antisemitism calls for stronger laws. It follows the passage of two separate bills - on gun reform and hate speech - becoming law after final approval by the Senate on Tuesday night.

United States President Donald Trump has invited world leaders to join his so-called 'Board of Peace'. Conceived with a mandate to oversee the administration and reconstruction of Gaza, the plan has quickly ballooned in its planned remit.

Japan's Prime Minister has announced plans to dissolve the parliament and trigger a snap election in less than three weeks. Sanae Takaichi is hoping to capitalise on her surging public opinion ratings. But facing mounting challenges at home and abroad, analysts say it is a risky strategy.

Following a period of heavy rain, a spate of suspected Bull shark attacks in New South Wales has left beach goers on edge. On Tuesday, a man was attacked by shark at Point Plomer beach near Port Macquarie on the state's Mid North Coast, escaping with only minor injuries. This is the fourth shark attacks in New South Wales over just two days.

New gun control and anti-hate laws have passed the lower house of parliament in response to the Bondi terror attack at a Jewish festival, which killed 15 people last month. They are expected to pass into law, but the process has been far from harmonious.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Julie Lee from FTSE Russell about the day's market action including how the market is dealing with Donald Trump's latest tariff threats and why investors didn't like BHP's record copper and iron ore production report.

United States President Donald Trump has again refused to rule out using military force to take over Greenland as European leaders discuss a possible NATO mission in the Arctic territory. The escalating threats come after Mr Trump vowed to impose increasing tariffs on European countries until an agreement is reached on the "sale of Greenland."

A man is in a critical condition after the third shark attack at a Sydney beach in less than 48 hours. It follows attacks on Monday and Sunday, in which an 11 -year-old boy's surfboard was bitten by a shark and a 12-year-old boy was critically injured and remains in hospital.